This is a forum for my observations about a variety of human resources topics and to discuss and question current human resources practices. I want to keep the good things about HR and dump the things that stink. I am sometimes controversial, sometimes humorous, and always educational.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

The Importance of Continuing Education for a Successful Career in Human Resources

As many of you know, in addition to being an HR consultant, I am also an instructor in Continuing Education for two Georgia Universities (Kennesaw State Universityand the University of Georgia) where I teach HR related subjects. In a meeting of instructors and staff we had a discussion about the importance of continual learning and keeping your HR career on track. We discussed how rapidly things are changing in the field of human resources and business in general. Without ongoing learning you will NEVER be able to keep up. In today's business environment the person that continually enhances their learning and keeps improving their skill sets is the one who will survive cutbacks. And even if you don't then having that enhanced set of skills and knowledge will make you that much more employable by the next company.

This new skill set has to include a strategic perspective, business acumen, a knowledge of metrics, conflict resolution ability, decision making skills, speaking ability, a knowledge of changes in technology (to include the use of social media) and a ongoing legal and compliance awarness. Being a Futurist is also an important skill. Helping your organization see the future and prepare for the future will make you very valuable. The days of "carrying the watermelon to the company picnic" are over. Continuing education programs, both live and online, help you improve or acquire skills.

Consistent reading, a skill losing traction everyday, will also put you in the top of your class. Self-improvement guru, Brian Tracy, says in his book Time Power, "Read at least one hour per day in your chosen field. One hour a day will translate into approximately one book per week. One book per week will translate into approximately fifty books ove the next twelve months. If you read an hour per day, one book per week, you will be an expert in your field within three years. you will be a national authority in five years, and you will be an international authority in seven years. All leaders are readers." What a powerful statement!

If you are not yet convinced to the importance or need to keep up then watch this YouTube.

7 comments:

I have a difficult time reading books these days, because I spend a lot of time reading blogs and other articles. I really need to sit down and figure out how much I'm actually reading in blog posts per week, because it could be a book's worth!

The video is amazing and SO telling! WOW! Almost scarey for us older people (mid-50's). Time to get reading and/or go back to school and learn/or find something new we can teach others and make a 2nd living at it!

This is a great post, Mike. And, even though I think we sometimes expand job requirements to infinite levels, I'm going to suggest a skill that isn't on your list.

I review books on my blog. I read a book a week or more. But I receive many more books than that to review. Many of them simply say nothing new, but say it differently. Some are unsupported, trendy junk. Some are solid and helpful. A few are must-reads.

The skill that sorts through those books and the blog posts and emails is scanning. I think it's a critical skill for the future.

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About Mike Haberman The "HR Compliance Guy"

I have been in human resources for over 25 years, both as a practitioner and consultant. I am known as "THE HR COMPLIANCE GUY". I am a cofounder of Omega HR Solutions, Inc., an HR and Benefits consulting firm which works primarily with small and midsize businesses. Our website is www.omegahrsolutions.com Additionally, I am an instructor at Kennesaw State University College of Continuing Education, as well as University of Georgia and Emory University, teaching human resources management. I am available for consulting assignments, training classes on HR for Supervisors and Behavioral Interviewing; and speaking engagements on a varity of topics including, HR Fundamentals for Small Businesses, Networking for HR Professionals, Use of Social Media in HR and Strategic Alignment for HR.

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